Method of making a metallic cylinder head gasket

ABSTRACT

A metallic cylinder head gasket for an internal combustion engine, has a carrier plate which is arranged between cover plates. The carrier plate and cover plates are provided with passages which are commensurate with the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine. The cover plates are provided, around each passage, with a resilient bead. Adjacent to each bead, and also extending around each passage, is a bead deformation limiter. The deformation limiters are shaped to prevent the occurrence of high edge pressures.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/565,108 filed on Nov. 30, 1995, U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,200.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the manufacture of cylinder head gaskets for internal combustion engines and, particularly, to the formation of carrier plates for such gaskets. More specifically, this invention is directed to metallic cylinder head gaskets and, especially, to multilayer gaskets having a carrier plate which includes a deformation limiter. Accordingly, the general objects of the present invention are to provide novel and improved methods and articles of such character.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Published European Patent Documents EP-C-0 306 766 and EP-C-0 230 804 disclose metallic cylinder head gaskets for internal combustion engines. These prior art gaskets comprise carrier plate which cooperates with at least one cover plate, the cover plate having resilient beads, i.e., deformations, which function as sealing rings. The gap at any point between the cylinder head and cylinder block of an internal combustion engine varies during operation as a function of the working cycle of the adjacent cylinder. The cylinder head gasket, which must seal this variable gap, is subjected to constant changes in pressure and must have permanent resilient properties in order to maintain a satisfactory seal.

The seal established by the gaskets of the above-identified references is created by upward extensions of the cylinder head gasket, such extensions being disposed about the combustion spaces, and the beads. The beads act as spring elements and follow vertical relative movements of the cylinder head in relation to the cylinder block which occur as a result of cylinder pressure variations. On the one hand, no unacceptably large deformation of a sealing bead must occur when the bead is subjected to maximum load. On the other hand, the relief of the applied, i.e., clamping, force must not be complete but rather only take place to such an extent that a minimum deformation occurs. The working range of the bead lies between these two limit points of the deformation.

In order to ensure proper functioning thereof, the beads must not be completely deformed either during the installation of the gasket or in the operating state. An unacceptably large deformation of a bead vertically with respect to the plane of the gasket is prevented in known gaskets by means of a deformation limiter of constant thickness. The deformation limiters also serve to extend the gasket upwardly along the combustion space.

Translatory movements can occur between the cylinder block and the cylinder head when these engine components have coefficients of thermal expansion, a cast iron block combined with a light weight, i.e., aluminum, metal head, for example. Translatory movements can also occur if the cooling conditions are different. Translatory movements lead to erosion created leakage paths, particularly on the cylinder head.

Published German Patent Document DE-A-4 219 709 discloses deformation limiters of rectangular cross-section produced by extrusion or heading. In the case of extrusion produced limiters, since the material being worked flows in all directions and not only in the desired direction, there are large material stresses with a so-called "frog effect" corresponding to a frog spring. For products formed by heading, a conical die is required. Use of such a die leads to uneven edges and the method is unsuitable for mass production since the product is not formed with precise repeatability.

Therefore, an object of the invention is to provide a metallic cylinder head gasket, and a method of fabrication thereof, in which the maximum acceptable deformation of the bead is not exceeded even over relatively long operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a metallic cylinder head gasket designed to eliminate the formation of leakage channels in the cylinder head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-stated and other objects of the invention are achieved through the manufacture of a novel metallic cylinder head gasket for an internal combustion engine, the gasket having two outer cover "plates" and a carrier "plate" which is sandwiched between the cover plates. The plates are provided with one or more combustion space passages, which are arranged one next to the other, commensurate with the combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine. Each of the cover plates is provided, in the regions which extend around each combustion space passage, with a generally annular shaped "bead". These resilient beads, in the form of arcuate deformations which extend towards the carrier plate, on the two cover plates are generally in registration. The beads are spaced from, i.e., set back from the edges of, associated combustion space passages. This spacing leaves a straight carrier plate section about the periphery of each passage. To protect each bead, an inner deformation limiter is provided adjacent to the bead, the deformation limiters also extending around each combustion space passage.

The inner deformation limiters are provided, on the side thereof which faces the combustion space passage, at the edges facing the cover plates, with rounded portions of sufficient radius to ensure that no high edge pressures occur. By virtue of the avoidance of high edge pressure, leakage channels resulting from translatory movements between the cylinder block and cylinder head are eliminated.

Gaskets in accordance with the invention can be manufactured without large financial outlay for specialized equipment and without additional components. During manufacture, a convex shape may easily be imparted to both sides of the deformation limiter.

Further refinements of a gasket in accordance with the invention, and in the methods for forming the deformation limiters, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description below of the disclosed embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to exemplary illustrated embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements in the figures and:

FIG. 1 is a partial schematic plan view of a portion of a cylinder head gasket in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the head gasket of FIG. 1 taken along the line I--I;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a gasket in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a gasket in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a gasket in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, partially in phantom, schematically illustrating an initial step in a method for manufacturing a gasket carrier plate in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, partially in phantom, of a manufacturing step performed subsequent to the step of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an alternative method of manufacturing a carrier plate for a gasket in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a step of a further alternative method of manufacturing a head gasket in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a subsequent step in the performance of the method of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The multilayer, metallic cylinder head gasket illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises an intermediate carrier member 1, in the form of a generally planar sheet or plate, disposed between a pair of identical cover plates 2. The gasket, comprising the carrier plate 1 and the cover plates 2, defines a series of combustion space passages 3 which correspond to the cylinder bores of the internal combustion engine on which the gasket is to be installed. The gasket further defines holes 4 for the bolts which are used to clamp the cylinder head to the engine block. The gasket also defines openings 5, 6 through which coolant and oil will flow.

The cover plates 2 are usually manufactured from thin sheets of spring steel. The cover plates 2 are provided with resilient beads 7 which extend around, and are spaced from, the combustion space passages 3. The spacing or set back of each bead 7 leaves an annular, straight plate section or rim 8 in the edge area of each combustion space passage 3. The beads 7 are in the form of arcuate deformations of the sheet material which extend in the direction of the carrier plate 1. The beads 7 on the two cover plates 2 are generally in registration.

In addition, half-beads (not illustrated) are usually provided on the cover plates 2 around the openings 5, 6 and the bolt holes 4.

The carrier plate 1, which is otherwise planar, is provided with a deformation limiter 9 in the peripheral area which extends about each of the combustion space passages 3. These deformation limiters are for the purpose of protecting an adjacent bead 7 against excessive compressive stress. With reference to FIG. 2, a deformation limiter 9 is in the form of a thickened portion of the carrier plate 1 adjacent to the edge of the combustion space passage 3 and outside of the bead area, i.e., between the bead 7 and the combustion space passage 3 which the bead seals. The deformation limiter 9 is provided with a convex surface on both sides. The deformation limiter 9 is formed in such a way that it extends out of the plane of plate 1 approximately the same distance toward each of the cover plates 2. Accordingly, deformation limiter 9 has the same effect on the beads 7 on each of cover plates 2.

The thickness of the deformation limiter 9 is chosen such that the straight plate sections 8 of the cover plates 2 come to rest on the deformation limiter 9 when the gasket is clamped between the engine block and cylinder head, i.e., at the same time the beads 7 are pressure-loaded. A serial, i.e., double seal is thus established. Also, as a result of the convex construction of the deformation limiter 9, high edge pressures are avoided. High edge pressures lead to leakage channels, particularly in the case of aluminum components, as a result of translatory movements between the cylinder head and cylinder block.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the carrier plate 1 is provided on each of its two opposed surfaces with a notch 10. The notches 10 are located between the deformation limiter 9 and the beads 7 and extend around the deformation limiter 9. As disclosed below, the notches 10 are provided for reasons of the manufacturing process.

With reference to FIG. 4, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the annular deformation limiter 9 is constructed separately from the carrier plate 1. The deformation limiter defining member, in the form of a ring 9, is inserted between the cover plates 2 and into a cut-out of the carrier plate 1 of an appropriate size.

With reference to FIG. 5, in still another embodiment of the invention, the deformation limiter 9 is partially formed integrally with the carrier plate 1. Thus, the integral portion of deformation limiter 9 is formed on one side of plate 1, typically the side which faces towards the cylinder head in the installed state of the gasket, and has a convex surface. The opposite side of the plate 1, in the region of deformation limiter 9, is provided with an annular, step-shaped recess 11. An additional intermediate plate 13, having a folded-over section 12, is partly received in the recess 11. The intermediate plate 13 is sandwiched between the carrier plate 1 and the surface of the cover plate 2 which faces the step-shaped recess 11. The folded-over section 12 defines a rounded edge portion 14 which faces passage 3 for reducing the edge pressures.

The deformation limiter 9 determines the limit points of the bead working range according to prescribed operating points. It is possible for vertical and/or width profiling of the deformation limiter 9 to be provided along the circumference of the combustion space passage 3 for the purpose of adapting it to prescribed operating points.

In areas adjacent to the bolt holes 4, given vertical profiling, the height of the deformation limiter 9 will be less than in the areas located intermediate the points of clamp pressure application. Furthermore, given width profiling, in the area adjacent to the bolt holes 4, the width of the deformation limiter 9 is less than in the intermediate areas.

In further embodiments, instead of directly varying the width of the deformation limiter 9, the support area of the cover plates 2 can also be varied by means, for example, of a correspondingly oval cutout for the combustion space passage 3.

If appropriate, the bead working range can also be homogenized by corresponding deepening and/or increasing of the height of the carrier plate 1 in the bead contact area.

Also, if appropriate, the straight cover plate sections 8 can be made to extend only partially over the deformation limiter 9 or, when clamped, be terminated behind the deformation limiter 9.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the manufacture of an inner deformation limiter 9 constructed integrally with the carrier plate 1 is illustrated. First, the combustion space passages 3 are provided in the carrier plate 1 in such a manner as to leave a rim which extends into the area of each passage 3. Next, the carrier plate 1 is clamped between a drawing die 15 and a drawing block 16. The drawing block 16 is pressed, for example with strong spring pressure or hydraulically, against the drawing die 15. In the edge area of each combustion space passage 3, the drawing block 16 protrudes beyond the edge of the drawing die 15 by approximately the thickness of the wall of the carrier plate 1. The protrusion of the drawing block 16 serves to guide a drawing punch 17 which has a bevelled guide edge 18. The drawing punch 17 deforms the rim portion of the carrier plate 1 at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the plane of the carrier plate. During this deformation, the bevelled guide edge 18 prevents the carrier plate 1 from tapering or from being pulled out from between the drawing die 15 and drawing block 16. The immobilization of carrier plate 1 is expediently aided by projections 19 on the drawing die 15 and the drawing block 16 which extend around and are located adjacent to the area which will be occupied by the deformation limiter 9. The projections 19 form the notches 10 (see FIG. 3) by penetrating into the material of the carrier plate 1.

The carrier plate 1 is subsequently clamped between a stamping plate 20 and a stamping die 21. Projections 22 on the stamping plate 20 and stamping die 21 correspond to the projections 19 of the drawing block 16 and drawing die 15. The projections 22 thus engage the notches 10. In the area of the combustion space passages 3, the stamping die 21 protrudes beyond the stamping block 20 according to the desired final radius of the deformation limiter 9. The stamping die 21 is provided with a stamping face 23 in accordance with the desired shape of the deformation limiter 9 which is, for example, convex. By means of a stamping punch 24, the previously folded rim portion edge is stamped to form the final deformation limiter 9. The stamping punch 24 is provided with a stamping face 25 corresponding to the stamping face 23. Deformation limiters 9 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 can be manufactured as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 relative to passage 3 with simultaneous vertical profiling and/or width profiling. The material of the carrier plate 1 is prevented from flowing back, i.e., radially outwardly during the stamping, by the projections 22.

With reference to FIG. 8, the stamping die 21 can also define the entire negative shape of the carrier plate 1 including the associated deformation limiter or limiters 9. The stamping punch 24 forms the desired shape by moving onto the stamping die 21. In order to absorb possible excess material, a circumferential recess 26 of very little height can be provided adjacent to the upper inner edge of the stamping die 21. The recess 26 can give rise to an easily removable burr of excess material at the deformation limiter 9.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, it is also possible to produce the deformation limiters 9 by rolling. In such a process, the carrier plate 1 is clamped between two plates 27, 28. The plates 27, 28 may also have projections 22 for the same purpose as described above. The plates 27, 28 terminate flush with one another in the area of the combustion space passage 3. The carrier plate 1 protrudes outward beyond the termination of plates 27, 28. The plates are provided with shaping faces 29 adjacent to the inner edge. One or more rolling tools 31, provided with shaping faces 30, are used to form the deformation limiter 9 with a desired cross-sectional shape.

The deformation limiter 9 of the embodiment in FIG. 4 is preferably produced from wire rings which initially have a round or rectangular cross-sectional shape. The wire rings are given a convex form on both sides by stamping.

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation. 

We claim:
 1. A method for the manufacture of a carrier plate for use in a head gasket, the carrier plate being produced from sheet metal, said method comprising the steps of:forming openings commensurate with combustion chamber locations in a metal sheet, the openings having diameters which are smaller than the diameter of the combustion chambers, the differences in diameter defining rim regions which extend about each of the formed openings; clamping the metal sheet subsequent to the formation of the openings, the clamped sheet defining a plane; deforming a portion of the rim region about each of said openings out of said plane; reclamping the sheet with the partly deformed rim regions supported on one side against a stamping die, the stamping die having an annular depression in registration with each rim region, each of the annular depressions being defined by a smooth wall which is radially arcuate with respect to the encircled opening; and stamping the partly deformed rim regions of the reclamped sheet against the stamping die with a stamping punch, the stamping punch having annular depressions generally complementary in shape to and in registration with the annular depressions of the stamping die, the complementary shaped annular depressions defining a deformation limiter which extends about each of the formed openings, said stamping causing the partly deformed rim regions to assume the deformation limiter shapes defined by the cooperating annular depressions.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of deforming results in a rim region portion about each opening which remains in said plane, the length of said portions which remain in said plane measured in the radial direction of the openings being approximately equal to the thickness of the sheet.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of deforming is performed with a drawing punch having beveled edges.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein portions of the rim regions which remain in the plane of the sheet are supported from a first side during the step of deformation and the deformation comprises bending the edges of the openings which are not supported by contacting said edges with a drawing die having beveled edges.
 5. A method for the manufacture of a carrier plate for a metal head gasket, the carrier plate having one or more inner deformation limiters provided thereon, the carrier plate being mechanically reshaped to form an inner deformation limiter after one or more combustion space passages have been provided therein, the method comprising the steps of:raising rims of the edge areas of the passages of the carrier plate by means of a drawing punch; and subsequently stamping said carrier plate in a die to form the inner deformation limiter.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein a drawing punch is used whose circumferential end edge is bevelled. 